DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons admits Worcester Warriors are “a little bit short” at centre after suffering a double injury setback.

South Africa international Francois Venter is set to be out for up to six weeks with an ankle problem sustained in Warriors’ last Gallagher Premiership outing against Sale Sharks.

And Solomons revealed Ollie Lawrence had also injured his ankle during Worcester’s European Challenge Cup win over Dragons at the weekend.

Solomons whose side visit Dragons on Friday (8pm) said Lawrence’s injury was not serious.

But with Will Butler (ankle) and Alex Hearle (foot) still on the sidelines, Solomons admitted fly-halves Jono Lance and Jamie Shillcock could come into his thinking as midfield options.

“We are a little bit short and that’s why we are looking after Ollie this weekend,” Solomons said.

“Will is due to be back by the end of the year so he is pretty close which will be helpful but Alex is still a wee bit off.

“Will is going to start entering training within the next week or so. That’s positive.

“I was chatting to him earlier and he is looking to get 40 minutes in the Cavaliers game (against Northampton Wanderers on December 30) so he will be good to go for the start of the year.”

Asked whether Warriors would be able to cope without their injured centres, Solomons said: “We have got to see how things track.

“Jono can play at 12 so that helps and Shilly could also do a job there if needed.”

Venter was a consistent performer for Warriors in his first season at the club, making 24 appearances.

After overcoming a calf issue Venter was back in the team, featuring in five matches but he hobbled off at half-time against Sale two weeks ago.

“Francois has had the scan,” Solomons said.

“The specialist has got to come back to us and look at the scan but at the moment it looks like a five to six-week injury with conservative treatment.

“It’s an ankle that he has had surgery on previously.

“He just fell awkwardly and someone fell on top of him.

“The specialist will give us a more definitive view as to the prognosis of the time of his return.”